These caramel-stuffed gingerbread cookies are a delicious treat! The spicy ginger flavor pairs perfectly with gooey caramel inside, making every bite a little party for your taste buds!
I can’t resist the warm, soft texture of these cookies, especially with the surprise of melted caramel when you take a bite. Perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself! 🍪✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cookies, giving them structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had success with brands that include xanthan gum.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg: These spices bring warmth and flavor to the cookies. If you’re short on any spices, you can use a pre-mixed gingerbread spice blend for convenience. I love the kick of fresh ginger, but ground works great too!
Unsalted butter: Softened butter is essential for a tender cookie. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute with vegan butter. I often use this for a great flavor with the same texture!
Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can use granulated sugar but expect a less rich flavor. A mix of white sugar and a touch of molasses can mimic brown sugar in a pinch.
Soft caramel candies: These are the star of the show! If you can’t find soft caramels, chocolate chips or butterscotch chips can also work for a different twist. I find the gooeyness of the caramels really shines through.
What’s the Best Way to Chill the Cookie Dough?
Chilling the dough is key for these cookies. It helps the flavors meld and prevents them from spreading too much while baking. Here’s how to effectively chill your dough:
- Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- Let it chill for at least 1 hour, but if you can leave it overnight, that’s even better for flavor!
- When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out for about 10-15 minutes if it’s very hard. This makes it easier to roll.
I’ve found that chilling really makes a difference in both the texture and taste of the cookies!
Caramel-stuffed Gingerbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup molasses
- About 20 soft caramel candies (like Kraft caramels), unwrapped
- Granulated sugar (for rolling)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill the dough. Baking the cookies will take another 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This will create your spice blend for the cookies. Once combined, set aside and admire those lovely spices!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until it turns light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes. It’s a great time to add a little elbow grease!
3. Add Egg and Flavors:
Next, add in the large egg, vanilla extract, and molasses. Beat until everything is well combined. The mixture should smell delicious at this point!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until it’s firm enough to handle.
5. Preheat and Prepare for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Take about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball. Gently flatten it in your palm, place one unwrapped caramel in the center, and wrap the dough around it. Make sure the caramel is fully enclosed, then roll it back into a ball.
7. Sugar Coating:
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to coat it nicely and then place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies have spread a bit and the edges are set while the center looks slightly soft. The smell will be amazing!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove them from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is when the caramel inside becomes all gooey and wonderful!
10. Dust and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top before serving for that extra touch of sweetness. Then enjoy your delightful, soft gingerbread cookies filled with melted caramel!
Happy baking! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a tasty treat to share (or keep for yourself)! 🍪💖
Can I Use Different Types of Flour in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but keep in mind that it may create a denser cookie. For gluten-free, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works great! Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Can I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your caramel-stuffed gingerbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them by placing the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Just thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, freeze the dough balls before rolling in sugar. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking!
What If I Can’t Find Soft Caramel Candies?
If soft caramels are unavailable, you can substitute with chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a different flavor. They won’t have the same gooey texture, but they’ll still be delicious!